Carbosulfan Insecticide Ban Proposed Under Insecticides Act
Why in the news
The government moved to prohibit a widely used crop-protection chemical in August 2026, citing health risks and the lack of an antidote for accidents.
Key facts
- Chemical: carbosulfan, a carbamate insecticide that works as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor.
- Grounds: claimed toxicity to people and animals, plus no known antidote.
- Legal basis: the Insecticides Act, 1968.
- Scope: manufacture, import, transport, distribution, sale and use.
- Expert panel set up on 14 January; report given on 12 June.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Chemical class | Carbamate insecticide |
| Mode of action | Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor |
| Panel constituted | 14 January |
| Panel report | 12 June |
| Activities covered | Manufacture to use |
Background
Pesticide registration in India is handled by the Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIB&RC). The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare administers the Insecticides Act, 1968. Earlier, several pesticides were banned or phased out on the Anupam Verma Committee’s advice, and monocrotophos, phorate and dichlorvos have faced similar review.
Exam angle
- Registering body: CIB&RC.
- Law: Insecticides Act, 1968.
- Administering ministry: Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
- Earlier committee: Anupam Verma Committee.